Northumbria Water 'working around the clock' to fix burst sewage main preventing bathing from Seaton Carew to Saltburn
Water bosses say they are working around the clock to fix a burst sewage main which has resulted in bathers in Hartlepool advised not to swim in the sea.
The Environment Agency issued a temporary notice not to bathe in the Hartlepool and Redcar areas after untreated sewage was discharged into the River Tees.
Northumbria Water says work has been ongoing since Friday night following the burst on its sewage main near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough which is believed to have been caused by an unknown individual.
The company said in an update: “Since the burst, which was likely caused by a third party, our teams have been working endlessly around the clock in order to carry out what is an extremely complicated repair.
“In order to carry out the work, the teams are in the process of removing several thousand tonnes worth of material that was recently deposited on the site, which is why the repair has been taking longer than anticipated.”
It says it is carrying out a repair to the current sewage main while also working on a longer-term diversion of the pipework.
It expects the work will be completed by early next week.
The Environment Agency is advising people not to bathe at Seaton Carew North, Seaton Carew Centre and Seaton Carew North Gare and stretches as far south as Saltburn.
Northumbria Water added: “We are continuing to carry out environmental monitoring and regular sampling, and we are working closely with the Environment Agency as well as the local authorities, delivery partners and landowners.
“We understand the frustration this will cause and would like to thank customers for their patience.”